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Sunday, July 8, 2012

Celebrate Red White & Blue Blog Hop!

Welcome friends!

I'm Francine, aka Mochawildchild writing from the heart of Amish Country in Nottingham, PA! Thanks for visiting! I'm a mom of 3 boys (21, 19, 13) and a 3 year old princess who definitely rules the roost!  I started quilting about 15 years ago, but I've only been doing a good job for about 3: finally realized about then that I needed to start following directions, heh heh. I'm just grateful that ALL those beginner quilts went to loved ones who were forced to declare their utter perfection and vow to keep them forever and never tell me about the seams that fell apart.

I love to buy fabric.. if I see the word "sale," all of a sudden, there's a bunch of fabric in my cart and I'm pressing submit. I can't remember phone numbers, but I do know my debit card number! Luckily my hubs often travels for work and I challenge myself to have packages arrive when he isn't home. Of course, when he is home, I do a fair imitation of an Olympic sprinter as I dash to the porch, careen around the corner and toss the box downstairs in the direction of the sewing room.

Anyhow, today I'd like to share with you my red, white and blue block featuring Hometown by Sweetwater.

This block was made with 6 charms and one 12.5" x 8.5" block of Kona Snow.


I'm sure everyone can figure out how to make this block, but in case there's any interest, here's a tute:
Requirements for a 12.5" block:
(6) charms (5" x 5" squares)
(1) 12.5" x 8.5" rectangle of background fabric






Step 1: Pair the charms into 3 sets of 2 and sew together on 2 sides


 Step 2: Cut the charms apart with a slice parallel to the side seams and centered on the charm - 2.5" from side


Step 3: Iron your new squares open


Step 3: Sew 3 blocks together & iron
Step 4: Cut down center




Step 5: Sew strips onto 12.5" sides of background and Voila!

 I thought it would be fun to fiddle around in Photoshop and show what this block would look like in a quilt




Thanks for popping in and I hope you get a chance to visit my fellow presenters today if you haven't already!


July 8th
Diane P (we host)


and usually at the end of my posts I ask a question in the hopes of gaining quilting wisdom from my friends, but today I invite you to leave a comment and enter my giveaway for a Hometown Charm pack of your own! One entry per comment, and one bonus entry if you decide to be a follower! I'll pick a winner July 10, thanks again for stopping by!
Francine

130 comments:

  1. Hi! Sounds like a girls of my own heart! I have a stash that some shop owners would envy! Cute block! I like how you photo shopped it so we can see who a whole quilt will look! Thanks for sharing!

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  2. I'm a follower! Thanks for the chance to win your giveaway!

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  3. This is the second time Hometown has been blocked. Thanks for the tutorial. And I have become a follower. Thanks for the giveaway as Ilove Sweetwater. Happy sewing

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  4. Great block - love the fabrics you have used. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Thanks for sharing this fun block and it would make a neat quilt.

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  6. Awesome block! Thank you for sharing it.

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  7. I'm also a new follower. Thank you for the opportunity to win :)

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  8. Thanks for participating in the bloghop. So much inspiration from everyone. Beautiful block.

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  9. Love the simplicity of the blocks with a lot of open space for lovely quilting. Thanks for you sharing. Judy C

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  10. Cute block and I love the fabric givaway! Thanks so much!

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  11. Thanks for the tutorial - I love the block and the plain space for either quilting or embroidery! thank!

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  12. That is a nifty little block. Thank you for showing the layout of several. I am hoarding Hometown fabric for a project or projects yet to be determined. That fabric just makes me smile.

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  13. I am a new follower of your blog.

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  14. Great blocks and so useful for many projects.

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  15. I am a follower. I love your blog, it is enjoyable to read what you have been creating.

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  16. Thanks for the tutorial and block layout idea that you included with your post, I really enjoyed reading it and have bookmarked it for future reference.

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  17. block to possible quilt...simply irresistible...aqua and red...fit the bill lol

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  18. Love your block! Great use for charm packs. Thanks for the tute.

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  19. Not only do you quilt but you are good with the computer also. Thanks for a great tutelage.

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  20. I LOVE this block! I've seen a similar design using strips of fabric for the edges rather than small blocks-- but yours is much, much prettier! I think I'll have to give this a try! Thanks for the tutorial! --- and the giveaway! I hope I win! :-)

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  21. Cant wait to try some embroidery in the middle of those blocks. Thanks!

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  22. That block is simple but wonderful. The quilt would allow for many different embellishments and quilting motifs. I just love it!

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  23. I love seeing the secondary patterns that arise when you multiplied your block! Thanks for sharing!!

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  24. I am a happy follower of your blog - thanks for the chance to win!

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  25. This is a wonderful block. Thanks for sharing
    quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

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  26. love the block...thanks for the giveaway..

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  27. I am a new follower - love these blog hops to discover new bloggers!!!

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  28. Love your block and Hometown is one of my favorite fabric lines!!!

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  29. Love this pattern! So many options. Thanks for the tut.

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  30. I looked in three shops yesterday for Hometown and couldn't find even one scrap. :( Obviously, I'd love to win this! As for a bit of wisdom, I say repurpose before you buy. I have lots of ways that I do this. Instead of buying freezer paper sheets, cut your own...much cheaper. Yesterday I bought some veggie chips from Fresh Market and they came in a great clear plastic container with a lid. It will be perfect for holding a small project or some fat quarters. blessings, marlene

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  31. You made me laugh with your admition of perfect imperfections! LOL I am a new follower!!

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  32. I just love this blog community! What a great inspiration it has been! Thank you fro letting me add you to that group! :o)

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  33. Love your block...simple but VERY effective and love the fabric!! Thanks for the chance to win some!
    Paulette

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  34. Great block that would be great for lots of FMQing! Thanks for sharing and I have to admit......I watch for the postman too!

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  35. I am a follower, thanks for the giveaway!

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  36. I think the blocks look wonderful and fun. The fabrics are so cheery too. My shopping habits sound a lot like yours!!!!

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  37. Cute block! Never thought of piecing the sides.

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  38. Using Photo Shop was very clever to look at different arrangements. I have been toying with the idea of buying one of those EQS systems but you have figured out how to get an advanced look at your blocks in different formations!

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  39. Great block.Thanks for the tutorial!!

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  40. Your block would be a great way to use up scraps that would be left from a special line of fabric. Thanks for the great tutorial and giveaway.

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  41. Your block makes up into a nice quilt. Hometown is a great fabric line too. Thanks for sharing your block and for the giveaway.

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  42. This is an amazing way to use a charm pack! Thanks for teaching me this new method in RWB! This is a really versatile block. Thanks for the chance to win some gorgeous hometown so can try this myself!

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  43. Such a clever block. Now, I would put a Sunbonnet Sue in the middle of each one.....or some embroidery....that's just me, though. I'm a new follower and love what happens when you rotate those blocks! I hope you'll come over for a visit and follow me. Thanks for letting us visit.

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  44. What a fun block - love blocks that set into a pattern. Thank you for sharing with us today.

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  45. What a great block. It is a great style for adding some applique to the middle.

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  46. I have become a follower. Suggestion - you might want to turn comment verification off and see how it goes. I have not had any spam since I did that months ago.

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  47. I totally get the buying fabric comments. LOL! I love how that block turns into such a cute quilt--nice job!

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  48. I'm a new follower by email. Glad to have found you on the RWB blog hop. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  49. Pretty blocks, I can see that some great quilting could fill up those centers. I think the pattern would make a good friendship quilt too. I am a new follower.

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  50. It's a neat block because it looks good just as is, or if you want to applique or embroider in the middle you can. I'm a follower!

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  51. Your simple block looks terrific when combined with others. These open white spaces are perfect for some fancy quilting!
    Lequilts.blogspot.com

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  52. Ijust love your block. The white space in the middle cries out to me stitch a picture there! Or some beautiful hand quilting. So many options. Thank you for playing.

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  53. I really like the way your red/white/blue block looks in a quilt setting. I like to do machine embroidery and the large center is perfect for placing a design.
    Thanks for offering the generous giveaway.

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  54. great blocks. the open space would be great for some embroidery. thanks for sharing and for you giveaway.

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  55. I'm a new follower or will be in a minute. What kind of quilting are you going to do in the light center. Great place for hand quilting

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  56. Thanks for the tutorial & the chance to win.

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  57. I'm a follower. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  58. at first glance, you block looks very odd -- but all put together, it makes for a beautiful quilt. i agree with the others, the centers would look really 'sweet' with an embroidered design on each block, something vintage! love the red, white and blue fabrics -- real hometown charm!

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  59. Enjoyed your happy fabrics in your block and think they would look wonderful with some cute machine stitching in the center or hand embroidery!

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  60. Neat block, lovely fabrics! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  61. While I thank you for the giveaway opportunity ... I do love Sweetwater fabrics!! ... You had me as a follower after reading your sprint to the mailbox description ... I so can picture that!!! LOL I lived that and yes, I lived the timing of the mail delivery to the absence of the spouse at home ... LOL Alas, I no longer have a spouse at home, but I so relate and enjoy your writing, so will be back to visit as often as I can. Thank you so much for sharing and I wish you all that is happy today and every day! Wendy of why-knot-kwilt.blogspot.com
    Blessings to you and yours.

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  62. Love the simplicity of your block and layout.

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  63. I really like the way the blocks come together. Thanks for sharing your tute!

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  64. I am a new follower in my Google Reader.

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  65. Thank You for I'm now a new follower of your blog. Thank You for the chance to win the Hometown Charm pack. I really like the "softness" of the colors.
    Sincerely,
    Tricia

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  66. Francine this block pattern will be the prefect surround for some patriotic blue Redwork I have plan here in the future. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
    Sincerely,
    Tricia

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  67. That block looks really great when put together with the other blocks and a lot could be done with that large piece of background fabric in the middle.

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  68. It's amazing how a simple block can look so cool when repeated. This would be great for a scrappy quilt.

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  69. Too funny about your Olympic sprinter capabilities. LOL Thanks for the laugh. I needed that today.

    That looks like a great block and using one of my favorite lines of fabric makes it all that much better. Thank you for the tutorial. I'm new-ish to quilting only starting to learn about 2 yrs ago now and I have seen many, many quilt blocks but, this one I don't recall seeing believe it or not. What is the name of this block?

    Thank you for sharing and the chance to win some gorgeous fabric.

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  70. I am now following your blog.

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  71. I like your block, but I really LOVE your blog post. You are one funny lady. I have done a bit of hustling myself to make sure everything is out of site before hubby sees it. I think I have done a great job so far. There is something about the word "fabric" and "sell" that causes me to become zombie-like and I faze out until I have bundles in my hand.What is it with this? Go figure. Thank you for the giveaway.

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  72. I am now a follower of your blog.

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  73. Cute block and I won't say that I have similar fabric sale weaknesses, but it might be true,lol. Thanks for the chance at the charms, I love Sweetwater :)

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  74. I really like your block - it looks great with your charms, but it would also be a great stash buster!
    Susan
    susie.galasso@gmail.com

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  75. I love this block. It would make a wonderful hand embroidery project or signature quilt! Great job.

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  76. Many thanks for the block and the giveaway!
    Deb
    dr392809@gmail.com

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  77. Wow, that block has so many possibilities! I guess I am a fabric hoarder, hate to cut into it, so buy more, LOL!

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  78. HELLO! THANK YOU FOR A NEAT CHARM PACK GIVEAWAY!
    HAPPY STITCHING!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  79. HAPPILY FOLLOWING YOU VIA GFC!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  80. I have to agree that though the block looked so simple it was very elegant when put with other blocks!

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  81. I am a new follower of your blog!


    Sue
    legato1958 at aol dot com

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  82. These blocks are great to feature fussy cuts.

    Thanks for the giveaway chance!

    sue
    legato1958 at aol dot com

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  83. Your block made a nice quilt idea. Thanks!
    mtower@bellsouth.net

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  84. I'm also a new follower!!
    mtower@bellsouth.net

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  85. Thanks for participating in the blog hop and hosting a giveaway. Have a great day!

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  86. Your blocks and pattern are lovely in their simplicity. I really like this idea.
    Thank you for the chance

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  87. Simple yet fun block! Like how you used Photoshop to show what it would look like in a quilt!!! TFS

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  88. Boy oh boy what a simple block and what a terrific quilt it can make. Thanks.

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  89. your blocks sure looks good all together ... a perfect setting fo fussy cutting or embroidary!

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  90. Cute block, and such a simple idea! Thanks for participating in the blog hop. New follower.

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  91. Love your block!! Such a great idea!! Thanks for sharing it with us!!!

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  92. Nice block and easy too. I sometimes hide my fabric in the truck of the car and waite for everyone to leave the house before bring it in. What we will do for the love of fabric. I am following you.

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  93. Thanks for participating in the Red, White and Blue hop and for the giveaway!

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  94. Thanks for being one of the hosts in the blog hop. It has been lots of fun to visit the different blogs . Your design would work great for a photo transfer quilt- the spaces would be perfect for family pictures in a wall hanging or for a special event quilt.
    I love fabric too- some of us are just meant to be collectors. LOL
    Regards from Western Canada,
    Anna

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  95. I am a new follower. Glad that I found you. I like your block, and the placement of how
    it would look in a quilt. Thanks for the chance to win!!

    wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  96. Great block - one you can do so very much with and I would actually be able to create a credible copy of it!!! Anna (quiltmom) has a great idea with the photo transfer...but I see it mixed with autographs from a wedding, anniversary or baby shower! Thanks for taking the time to photoshop it!!!

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  97. i love red and aqua together. wonderful color combination.

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  98. i have become a follower of your blog.

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  99. Versatile block, and looks super easy! Thanks for the tutorial and giveaway :)

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  100. What a clever versatile block. Lots of options depending on which way you arrange the block. Thanks for the inspiration. margy

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  101. What a great block for using up scraps. The red and blue look so crisp with all the white.

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  102. Fun block! I see great potential for a signature quilt! I think I may try my hand at this block this afternoon as I try to beat the summer heat. Thanks for sharing!

    sowingstitches [at] gmail [dot] com

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  103. :D
    I am now following your blog via email...looking forward to more of your wonderful ideas and creativity!

    sowingstitches [at] gmail [dot] com

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  104. I am a new follower by e-mail. This block would make an awesome signature quilt. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  105. I agree with Margaret about this being perfect for a signature quilt!! I love Kona Snow...it is the prettiest white fabric out there , bar none!! I like this pattern, simple but striking!
    I'm a new follower and hope you'll come visit me at Grandmama's Stories if you haven't already!
    Blessings
    Gmama Jane

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  106. Love that quilt. It would be great to showcase some embroidery designs! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  107. Great block to really showcase some quilting! There has been so much inspiration on this hop...love it! Thanks!

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  108. That is a fun block! I appreciate the photoshop version, too :) Great post and thanks for sharing.

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  109. Simple and nice!
    I'm a follower.

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  110. Clever use of your blocks in a quilt. Red, white and blue always inspire!

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  111. I like how your block looks in the simulated quilt! I appreciate the tut. As a new quilter as of the wantobe campaign, I love seeing the correct way to do things. Hometown by Sweetwater has been a favorite of mine since my sister made a table runner with it. It would be awesome to win!!

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  112. Love these blocks! I can see stitchery in the white areas. Fun!

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  113. What a simple but amazing block. The center block would be amazing for embroidery or to show off some fancy quilting. Thanks for showing a great way to sew the block. I really like that you showed how several blocks look like together.

    Thank you for a great giveaway and a chance to win some gorgeous fabric.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  114. Great block! I would love to use this block and do some embroidery in the white space. Great thing about blog hops besides learning lots, I always find blogs of creative and talented people I didn't know about before. I'm a new follower.

    Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win some gorgeous fabric.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  115. cute block - lots of negative space for fabulous quilting ! thanks for the giveaway :)

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  116. I Love Your RWB Block! This would look great w/4th of July image Hand Embroidered in the Centers! Thanks for this Great Giveaway!

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  117. Very nice blocks. Simple yet stunning at the same time.

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  118. Love the block! I love to win fabric.......

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Thanks so much for leaving a comment! Sure beats talkin' to myself! :-)

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